Are you tired of dealing with unwanted highlights in your hair? Whether you’re looking to get rid of brassy tones, uneven color, or simply want to return to your natural hair color, this article is for you. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best ways to make highlights go away fast, safely, and effectively.
Understanding Hair Highlights
Before we dive into the methods for removing highlights, it’s essential to understand how they work. Hair highlights are achieved by applying a lightener or color to specific sections of hair, usually using foils or a balayage technique. The lightener or color penetrates the hair shaft, breaking down the pigment and depositing new color.
The Science Behind Hair Color
Hair color is made up of two types of melanin: eumelanin and pheomelanin. Eumelanin is responsible for brown and black colors, while pheomelanin produces red and yellow colors. When you apply highlights, the lightener or color breaks down the eumelanin, allowing the pheomelanin to dominate and produce a lighter color.
Methods for Removing Highlights
Now that we understand how highlights work, let’s explore the methods for removing them. We’ll cover both at-home and professional methods, as well as their pros and cons.
At-Home Methods
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to remove highlights, there are several at-home methods you can try. Keep in mind that these methods may not be as effective as professional treatments, and it’s essential to follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging your hair.
Color-Correcting Shampoo and Conditioner
Using a color-correcting shampoo and conditioner can help to neutralize brassy tones and reduce the appearance of highlights. Look for products containing ingredients like blue or purple pigment, which can help to counteract warm tones.
Color-Depositing Treatments
Color-depositing treatments can help to deposit new color onto the hair shaft, covering up unwanted highlights. These treatments can be applied at home using a color-depositing mask or gloss.
Baking Soda and Shampoo
Mixing baking soda with shampoo can help to remove product buildup and neutralize highlights. However, be careful not to overdo it, as baking soda can be harsh on the hair.
Professional Methods
If you’re looking for a more effective and long-lasting solution, consider visiting a professional hairstylist. They can use a variety of techniques to remove highlights, including:
Color Correction
A color correction treatment involves applying a new color to the hair to counteract the unwanted highlights. This can be a time-consuming process, but it’s often the most effective way to remove highlights.
Highlights Removal
Some salons offer a highlights removal service, which involves using a specialized treatment to break down and remove the highlights. This process can be more expensive than at-home methods, but it’s often more effective.
Balayage or Hair Painting
If you’re looking to remove highlights and achieve a more natural look, consider balayage or hair painting. These techniques involve applying color to the hair in a sweeping motion, creating a more subtle and natural look.
Tips for Removing Highlights
Regardless of the method you choose, there are several tips to keep in mind when removing highlights:
Be Patient
Removing highlights can be a time-consuming process, especially if you’re using at-home methods. Be patient and don’t expect overnight results.
Use Gentle Products
When using at-home methods, be sure to use gentle products that won’t damage your hair. Avoid using harsh chemicals or products containing sulfates, parabens, or silicones.
Follow Instructions Carefully
When using at-home methods, follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging your hair. Be sure to do a strand test before applying any treatments to your entire head.
Consider Your Hair Type
When removing highlights, it’s essential to consider your hair type. If you have damaged or over-processed hair, you may need to use gentler products or avoid using heat styling tools.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When removing highlights, there are several common mistakes to avoid:
Over-Processing
Over-processing can damage your hair and make it more difficult to remove highlights. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and avoid using too much product.
Using the Wrong Products
Using the wrong products can damage your hair and make it more difficult to remove highlights. Be sure to use gentle products that are formulated for your hair type.
Not Doing a Strand Test
Not doing a strand test can result in uneven color or damage to your hair. Always do a strand test before applying any treatments to your entire head.
Conclusion
Removing highlights can be a challenging process, but with the right techniques and products, it’s possible to achieve the look you want. Whether you’re using at-home methods or visiting a professional hairstylist, be sure to follow the instructions carefully and consider your hair type. With patience and the right approach, you can say goodbye to unwanted highlights and hello to the hair of your dreams.
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Color-Correcting Shampoo and Conditioner | Easy to use, gentle on hair, affordable | May not be as effective as other methods, can be time-consuming |
| Color-Depositing Treatments | Can be used at home, gentle on hair, affordable | May not be as effective as other methods, can be time-consuming |
| Baking Soda and Shampoo | Easy to use, affordable, can be effective | Can be harsh on hair, may not be suitable for all hair types |
| Color Correction | Can be highly effective, long-lasting results | Can be expensive, time-consuming, may require multiple sessions |
| Highlights Removal | Can be highly effective, long-lasting results | Can be expensive, time-consuming, may require multiple sessions |
| Balayage or Hair Painting | Can create a natural, subtle look, long-lasting results | Can be expensive, time-consuming, may require multiple sessions |
By following the tips and methods outlined in this article, you can remove unwanted highlights and achieve the hair of your dreams. Remember to be patient, use gentle products, and consider your hair type to ensure the best results.
Q: What are the common methods to make highlights go away fast?
There are several methods to make highlights go away fast, including using color-correcting shampoos and conditioners, applying a color-depositing treatment, trying a hair color remover, using a clarifying shampoo, and getting a professional color correction. These methods can help to fade or remove unwanted highlights, depending on the type of highlights and the condition of your hair.
It’s essential to note that some methods may be more effective than others, and the results may vary depending on the individual’s hair type and condition. Before attempting to make highlights go away, it’s recommended to consult with a professional hairstylist to determine the best course of action and to ensure the health and integrity of your hair.
Q: How can I use color-correcting shampoos and conditioners to make highlights go away?
Color-correcting shampoos and conditioners can help to neutralize and fade unwanted highlights. These products typically contain color-correcting pigments that counteract the tone of the highlights. To use color-correcting shampoos and conditioners, apply them to your hair as you would regular shampoo and conditioner, and leave them on for the recommended amount of time before rinsing.
It’s essential to choose a color-correcting shampoo and conditioner that is formulated for your hair type and the type of highlights you have. For example, if you have blonde highlights, you may want to use a purple-based color-correcting shampoo and conditioner to neutralize any brassy tones. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and do a patch test before using the products on your entire head.
Q: What is a color-depositing treatment, and how can it help make highlights go away?
A color-depositing treatment is a type of hair treatment that deposits color pigments onto the hair shaft to neutralize and fade unwanted highlights. These treatments can be applied at home or in a salon and typically contain color-depositing agents such as plant extracts, vitamins, and minerals.
Color-depositing treatments can help to make highlights go away by depositing color pigments that counteract the tone of the highlights. For example, if you have red highlights, a color-depositing treatment with green pigments can help to neutralize the red tone. These treatments can be repeated as needed to achieve the desired results, and they can be used in conjunction with other methods to make highlights go away.
Q: How does a hair color remover work, and is it safe to use?
A hair color remover is a type of product that is designed to remove unwanted hair color, including highlights. These products typically contain chemicals that break down the color pigment and allow it to be rinsed out of the hair. Hair color removers can be applied at home or in a salon, and they come in different formulations for different types of hair and color.
While hair color removers can be effective, they can also be damaging to the hair, especially if used incorrectly. It’s essential to follow the instructions carefully and do a patch test before using a hair color remover on your entire head. Additionally, hair color removers may not completely remove the highlights, but rather fade them or change the tone. It’s recommended to consult with a professional hairstylist before using a hair color remover.
Q: Can I use a clarifying shampoo to make highlights go away?
A clarifying shampoo can help to make highlights go away by removing product buildup and excess color pigment from the hair. Clarifying shampoos are typically formulated with ingredients such as sulfates and citrus extracts that help to strip the hair of impurities and excess color.
While a clarifying shampoo can help to fade or remove unwanted highlights, it may not completely eliminate them. Additionally, clarifying shampoos can be drying to the hair, so it’s essential to use a moisturizing conditioner after using a clarifying shampoo. It’s also recommended to use a clarifying shampoo in conjunction with other methods, such as color-correcting shampoos and conditioners or color-depositing treatments, to achieve the best results.
Q: How can I prevent highlights from fading too quickly in the future?
To prevent highlights from fading too quickly in the future, it’s essential to use color-protecting products and to avoid using hot water and heat styling tools. Color-protecting products, such as color-protecting shampoos and conditioners, can help to lock in the color and moisture of the hair, reducing fade and dryness.
Additionally, avoiding hot water and heat styling tools can help to prevent the color from fading too quickly. Hot water can strip the hair of its color, while heat styling tools can cause the color to fade and become dry and brittle. It’s also recommended to get regular touch-ups and to use a color-depositing treatment to maintain the health and integrity of the hair.
Q: Is it better to get a professional color correction or to try to make highlights go away at home?
While it’s possible to make highlights go away at home using various methods, it’s often better to get a professional color correction. A professional hairstylist has the training and experience to assess the condition of your hair and to determine the best course of action to achieve the desired results.
A professional color correction can help to ensure that the highlights are removed or corrected safely and effectively, without causing damage to the hair. Additionally, a professional hairstylist can provide personalized recommendations and guidance on how to maintain the health and integrity of your hair, reducing the risk of further damage or fade. While it may be more expensive than trying to make highlights go away at home, a professional color correction can provide long-lasting results and peace of mind.